|
> MSU News
Rams eat their way to the finish in Montana Central Ram Test
March 26, 2002 -- MSU-Bozeman News Service
BOZEMAN--When sheep producers go ram shopping, they don't just buy them off the rack. They consider economically important traits like the ram's ability to gain weight, the grade and quantity of wool it can produce -- even the size of the rib eye it packs. The Montana Central Ram Test, held by Montana State University and the Montana Woolgrowers Association, compares these traits in yearling rams from producers throughout the state, said Rodney Kott, MSU Extension Sheep Specialist.
This year's Central Ram Test ended on February 23, 2002. The 112-day test began last fall, with 59 yearling rams being weighed in on November 2. Participating producers throughout the state bring rams to the Fort Ellis research station near Bozeman in October. The rams are given time to acclimate and recover from travel before their weight is initially taken. November 2 marks the starting point when rams are "on test." They are sheared and weighed to establish a baseline for their growth and fleece production over the next three and a half months.
"It's almost like a horse race. They all start at the same point, and whoever gets there first, wins," said Kott.
All the rams are cared for and fed the same pelleted mixture. They are weighed, mid-test, on January 16. At the end of the test the rams are sheared again. Each fleece is weighed and the length and the micron width of its fibers are measured. Then the rams are weighed a final time and, using ultrasound technology, the size of their rib-eye is recorded.
The results of the test show each ram's average daily weight gain and fleece growth. The figures are compared to those for the average ram.
The top Targhee ram, consigned by Dick Everett of Stevensville, tested 30 percent above average for average daily weight gain and 38 percent above average for fleece production. Carolyn Green of Big Timber also had a number of rams in the top group.
All rams are compared with test results within their own breed. The top-testing Rambouillet ram came from Helle Rambouillets in Dillon. The top Columbia ram was consigned by Gene Langhus of Big Timber.
The top five percent of the rams tested will be sold at the Miles City ram sale in September. Producers who participated in the test will post the results on their rams for the information of buyers who want scientific evidence of a ram's potential.
A ram's weight gain is one selection factor. People who want to improve their wool's value in future years may be more interested in the ram's wool grade. Finer micron counts sell at a higher price. Also, the lamb industry is interested in selecting for larger rib eyes in lambs. For example, a rib eye chop that measures 3 inches sells at a higher price than a 2-inch rib eye.
Kott said that in addition to being the one place where rams from different producers are compared head to head, the Central Ram Test allows purebred producers to test their own rams and see how their genetics stack up against the top breeders in the state. They can collect data that they don't routinely get on the farm. Producers who want to participate in next year's test can contact Rodney Kott at (406) 994-3415. The cost of the test covers expenses for the animal's feed and care during the test.
Contact: Rodney Kott (406) 994-3415
|
|
Email this article
